Impact of Selected Land use Types on Surface Water Quality Downstream of Asa Dam in Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2011-05
Authors
Ayeni, A.O.
Balogun, I.I.
Adeaga, O.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Baywood Publishing Company, Inc
Abstract
This study examines the impact of selected land use types on surface water quality downstream of Asa dam in Ilorin, Southwestern Nigeria. Water samples were collected at seven points (including a control, 0.50 km from Asa dam). Four sampling points fall within agricultural land use area, two within light industrial/residential area, and the control was within an undisturbed natural environment. The level/concentration of 10 physico-chemical parameters, color, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total hardness (CaCO3), calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, chloride, calcium, and nitrate were determined using standard procedures. GIS was used to determine the extent of land cover by Asa dam and its downstream environment including the length of River Asa in respect to sampling points. This was achieved through the map generated from satellite imageries and the use of GPS. This article presents and discusses the results of laboratory analyses undertaken, spatial variability in the level/concentration of the water quality parameters, as well as the consequences of sustained use of River Asa water without treatment for domestic purposes. The results show that the quality of River Asa downstream of the dam was impaired to different degrees using WHO standards for the selected parameters and land use types. Consequently, using the water for domestic purposes, in particular as currently obtained in the area, portends grave danger to human health and the situation will be worse in the near future if necessary control is not put in place.
Description
Scholarly articles
Keywords
Human health , Natural environment , Industrial/ Residential Area , Domestic Purposes , Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES::Earth sciences
Citation
Ayeni, A.O., I. I. Balogun and O. A. Adeaga (2006). Impact of Selected Land use Types on Surface Water Quality Downstream of Asa Dam in Kwara State, Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Systems, 32(3), 221 – 238.